Ecotourism

Exploring Ecotourism: Exploring Ecotourism: The who, what, why, and howThe who, what, why, and how

University of Florida

School of Forest Resources and Conservation

What is Ecotourism?What is Ecotourism? Relatively unknown …

industry,– business,– practice,– concept,– phenomenon?????

What do you think it is?

©Pandion Systems, Inc. 2004


““Official” Definition of Official” Definition of Ecotourism: Ecotourism:

“Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people.”

- The Ecotourism Society



Ecotourism as a market Ecotourism as a market segment: segment:

C u ltu ra l to u rism R u ra l to u rism

E co tou rism A d ven ture tou rism

N a tu re to u rism S u n-a nd -b ea chto u rism

B u s in e ss T ra ve l F itn e ss -w e lln e ssa nd he a lth

to u rism

T o u rism M a rke t

Source: World Tourism Organization 2001


Local People

Visitors

Environment

Ecotourism


Source: Taylor Stein 2003

Ecotourism Provides…Ecotourism Provides…

Benefits to Local People

Benefits to the Environment

Benefits to Visitors


Benefits of Nature-Based Benefits of Nature-Based RecreationRecreation

Nature-based recreation products?Understood what other natural resource

professionals produced.


BenefitBenefit

1. An improved condition (e.g., a gain) of an individual or a group of individuals or another entity (e.g., environment),

2. The prevention of an unwanted condition.

3. A desired condition.

(Driver , 1994)©Pandion Systems, Inc. 2004

Types of BenefitsTypes of Benefits

Personal– Psychological– Physiological

Social

Economic

Environmental


What kinds of businesses fall What kinds of businesses fall into the ecotourism category? into the ecotourism category? Guided nature tours-

canoeing, hiking, birdwatching

Cultural tours- historical, archeological

Farms (Agritourism)- livestock, herbs, organic



Who else benefits from Who else benefits from ecotourists?ecotourists?

Outfitters- birding store, hiking gear, camping

Restaurants- local cuisine Craft sales- pottery,

clothing, local artwork Bed and Breakfasts Others?



From a functional viewpoint From a functional viewpoint ecotourism is: ecotourism is:

Mostly individual or small-scale tourism (tour groups <25 and hotels with <100 beds

Operated by small and medium sized companies in natural areas

Concentrates on leading and accommodating small groups in natural areas in an educational manner

Source: United Nations Environment Programme 2001



Who are these people???Who are these people???• Age: 35-54 years old

• Gender: 50% female, 50% male

• Education: 82% college grads

Information from Wight 1996 and TIES 2000



Where do they stay?Where do they stay?

Ecotourists are more likely to select from a range of intimate, adventure-type accommodations such as cabins, lodges/inns, camping, bed and breakfasts, or ranches.

Information from Wight 1996 and TIES 2000©Pandion Systems, Inc. 2004


The Green PremiumThe Green Premium

83% of US travelers are inclined to support “green” travel companies and are willing to spend on average 6.2% more for travel services and products provided by environmentally responsible travel suppliers.

Source: The Travel Industry Association of America (1997)


How long do they stay? How long do they stay?

Trip length: 8-14 days



When do they travel?When do they travel?

North American ecotourists prefer to travel in the summer, however experienced ecotourists will travel during the off season.



What do they want?What do they want?

1) Wilderness setting

2) Wildlife viewing

3) Hiking/trekking



Overall, ecotourism trends suggest that the ecotourist is no longer representative of a small segment of the population. As ecotourism becomes more mainstream and the term more widely used, ecotourism is drawing a diverse audience. This opens up many opportunities to develop nature-based tourism for a broad audience.


Why do they do it? Why do they do it?

Defining the EcotouristDefining the Ecotourist

Backpackers?

Adventurers?Families?

Foreign Visitors?

Seniors?

Hunters?

Bird Watchers?


Recreation BehaviorRecreation BehaviorWhat are recreationists’ desired benefits

(motivations)?How do motivations relate to setting and

activities?What are visitors’ attitudes toward:

– Management– Policies


Psychology and Ecotourism Psychology and Ecotourism ManagementManagement

Identifies definable market segments– Direct visitors to certain opportunities.– Provide alternative opportunities.

Aids in managing for social setting:– Conflicts– Crowding


MotivationsMotivations Enjoy Nature Learn New Things Family Relations Reduce Tension Escape Physical Stress Share Similar Values Independence Introspection Be with Considerate People

Achievement/Stimulation Physical Rest Teach/Lead Others Risk Taking Risk Reduction Meet New People Creativity Nostalgia Agreeable Temperatures



How do you bring them in? How do you bring them in?

Marketing to the ecotourist– Remember they are different

than other tourists– They want nature-oriented,

smaller-scale settings and are willing to pay for it


How do you keep them? How do you keep them?

“Linking” ecotourism businesses to provide a diversity of experiences in an easy-to-access manner.

Training and education for ecotourism providers, managers, and community members so that visitors get a top-notch experience.

Example: Birder-friendly communities

What are the impacts of What are the impacts of ecotourism? ecotourism?

• To the resource?• To the community?• To the visitor?



EducationEducation Teaching decision makers about the

potential benefits and impacts from ecotourism

Teaching operators about how to run a sustainable business while protecting the resource

Teaching community members how to welcome visitors and provide a positive experience

Example: Florida ecotourism training programs


Ecotourism is: Ecotourism is:

“Responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people.”


Thank you Thank you for your timefor your time. .